I prefer the city too - I was on the big commercial business street that runs from San Jose to San Francisco - El Camino Real. 40 miles of fast food restaurants, furniture stores, and car washes. My favorite - lots to look at.

I was going maybe 10, 15 miles an hour. He was stopped at a left turn lane in front of me. I was waving wildly, as I do a lot. He was inching out. I guess he didn't see me, and I tried to avoid him by veering right and slamming on the brakes, but couldn't get out of his way. I don't remember too well where he hit me. I think he sideswiped me.

I wave at cars a lot, just to confirm they see me - I take the lane in a heartbeat if it's too narrow and, again, I signal and wave a lot when I do. I don't drive fast - I'm an old, and an ex smoker, so I can't really go that fast anyway. I don't wear a helmut, so that's another reason I don't go fast.

I've been car free for 5 years now, and this is the first time I've been hit or really even came close. That's a lot of miles without a mishap.